WHAT WE DO


We believe in securing lasting results that meet our Indigenous clients’ needs, interests, way of life and culture. Our collective experience combines to offer effective representation to First Nations, their members, and Indigenous organizations, to address a broad range of issues.

Land Claims

Land Claims

Development, negotiation and settlement of claims for:

  • Illegal flooding of reserve lands for hydroelectricity.
  • Treaty land entitlement shortfalls.
  • Inadequate quality of treaty lands.
  • Illegal taking of reserve lands.
  • Breaches of treaty obligations.
Economic Development
  • Development, negotiation and implementation of:Mining exploration and impact-benefit agreements.
  • Partnerships for development of hydroelectric power.Joint venture agreements with diamond drilling, construction, catering and other suppliers to mines.
  • Agreements that secure business and employment opportunities in construction, manufacturing, service-supply, health services, and forestry management.
  • Emission reduction benefit agreements to capture carbon credits from First Nations-managed forest.
  • Economic development structures – limited partnerships, corporations, joint ventures – to reduce liabilities and taxation
Self-Government

Drafting and implementing:

  • By-laws governing trespassing, residency, financial administration, and other governance areas.
  • Taxation and assessment laws to implement property tax regimes on reserve.
  • Personnel policies, drug-testing policies, housing policies and employment agreements.
  • Creative solutions to improve programs and services for on-reserve members in the areas of health, education, housing, and social services.
  • Assertion of jurisdiction and inherent rights to self-government by First Nations in Treaties 3, 5, and 9 territories.
Environmental Stewardship

We advocate for:

  • First Nation interests before the Ontario Energy Board and the National Energy Board.
  • Challenging federal and provincial decisions to take up traditional lands for industry projects.
  • Consultation and accommodation related to First Nation impacts from proposed pipeline projects.
  • Review and consultation with First Nations of proposed federal and provincial environmental legislation.
  • Treaty-rights research related to traditional land and resource use.
Litigation

We represent First Nations:

  • At all levels of the Ontario courts, the Manitoba Court of Queens Bench, the Federal Court and Federal Court of Appeal, administrative tribunals such as the Canada Labour Board, Canadian Human Rights Tribunal, Ontario Energy Board and National Energy Board.
  • On a wide range of issues within indigenous contexts including: breaches of fiduciary duty, review of administrative and regulatory decisions, treaty rights, employment and labour, police brutality and construction disputes.
  • Before inquests involving the death of First Nation members

ABOUT US

The law offices of Major Sobiski Moffatt LLP are located in Treaty 3 territory on Lake of the Woods in Kenora, Ontario. The firm focuses on legal services relating to Indigenous law and policy. Major Sobiski Moffatt LLP has assisted First Nations, Indigenous individuals, organizations, corporations, and institutions in Treaty 3, 5, and 9, in matters relating to Aboriginal and Treaty rights, land claims, natural resources development, industry agreements, health and governance development, in addition to economic development and business transactions. To learn how we may be able to assist you please contact us.

OUR TEAM


Will Major   |   Partner

Will Major | Partner | Major Sobiski Moffatt LLP

I am committed to partnering with Indigenous people in pursuit of their sovereignty through negotiation, litigation or self-government and economic development initiatives.

tel: (807) 468-1435

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Barrister & Solicitor

Yana Sobiski   |   Partner

Yana Sobiski | Partner | Major Sobiski Moffatt LLP

I am committed to treaty federalism and to restoring Indigenous economic, political, and territorial sovereignty in collaboration with Indigenous Nations.

tel: (807) 464-0031

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Barrister & Solicitor

Travis Moffatt   |   Partner

Travis Moffatt | Partner | Major Sobiski Moffatt LLP

I am committed to resolving historical and current injustice. My focus is on Treaty and rights-based claim negotiation, litigation and implementation.

tel: (807) 219-0342

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Barrister & Solicitor

Whitney Van Belleghem

Whitney Van Belleghem | Barrister & Solicitor | Major Sobiski Moffatt LLP

I am committed to working collaboratively with our clients to achieve culturally appropriate resolutions that are responsive to their unique circumstances. My focus is on community by-law and policy development, and employment matters.

tel: (807) 464-2096

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Barrister & Solicitor

Henrik Akerlund

Henrik Akerlund | Barrister & Solicitor | Major Sobiski Moffatt LLP

I am committed to supporting First Nations in all aspects of governance: fighting for reconciliation, righting of historical wrongs, succeeding as independent nations, and overcoming the legacies of colonialism in Canada.

tel: (807) 407-3618

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Barrister & Solicitor

Luke Hildebrand

Luke Hildebrand | Barrister & Solicitor | Major Sobiski Moffatt LLP

I am committed to being an ally in reconciliation.
My focus is on decolonization, restoring the Treaty relationship, and reclaiming Anishinaabe laws
and land.

tel: (431) 373-0657

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Barrister & Solicitor

Isabel Dávilla Pereira

Isabel Dávilla Pereira | Major Sobiski Moffatt LLP

I am committed to supporting Indigenous sovereignty and environmental justice by leveraging international and environmental laws for First Nations to build strong nation-to-nation relationships, and reclaim Indigenous lands and stewardship.

Candace Taman

Candace Taman| Administrative Assistant | Major Sobiski Moffatt LLP

I am committed to achieving meaningful results through collaboration and support, as part of a team that is dedicated to providing the best service for our clients.

tel: (647) 995-5538

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Barrister & Solicitor

tel: (807) 468-1435

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Administrative Assistant